Dozens of Artists Add the Final Touches to Their Exhibitions Ahead of Scotland’s Premier Open Studios Event
Stylish, fun and made entirely of teabag paper – the dresses made by Isabell Buenz are one of the many attractions at Spring Fling 2015.
No fewer than 94 studios all across Dumfries and Galloway are taking part in Scotland’s premier open studios contemporary visual art and craft event from 23-25 May.
Many thousands of visitors from across Scotland, and far beyond are expected to attend the 13th annual Spring Fling, which features everything from paintings, photography and original print to ceramics, jewellery, sculpture and textiles.
Isabell has been making the final adjustments to a variety of pieces created from different kinds of paper, and books. They include dresses, shoes, accessories and flowers and will be on display at The Aquarium in Gatehouse of Fleet and the nearby Cally Gardens.
The dresses are made from lengths of the finest quality teabag material – with enough for 600 cuppas going into the smaller and 850 into the more elaborate one. And while they are really intended for display rather than use, the artist says they are surprisingly practical.
Isabell said: “You could go out to a party in one of these dresses and it would be fine – but you’d need to be careful getting between the car and the front door in the rain!”
Her love of making things from paper developed when she was a child in Germany.
“My father worked in newspapers and there were always lots of them lying around. I loved making things from them so I guess I was recycling and upcycling from a very early age.
“I liked to experiment with different sorts of paper and met the rep for a teabag company on a plane once and he agreed to send me some – I’ve never looked back. It’s great to work with, and quite strong.”
The models for the final tweaks, which took place at The Grange, near Kirkcudbright, were Megan Giblin (17), from Auchencairn, who has recently completed training to become a lifeguard, and Rachel Shnapp (18), from Moniaive, who is studying English and philosophy at Glasgow University.
Leah Black, Spring Fling Director, said: “One reason people love Spring Fling is that there’s always something fresh and different to enjoy – like Isabell’s amazing dresses. She has a real sense of style and fun.
“This is our 13th annual Spring Fling and we are looking forward to welcoming people from all across the country, and overseas, to see the huge range of art and craft which is created in this beautiful region.”
In 2014 Spring Fling attracted around 13,000 visitors, half from beyond Dumfries and Galloway, who contributed £1.4 million to the economy. Dumfries and Galloway Council is supporting the event with a £38,000 investment as part of its Major Festivals and Events Strategy.
• Anyone looking for a great gift can look online at the superb selection available in the Spring Fling shop at https://www.spring-fling.co.uk/shop.
Getting around Spring Fling
Visitors can download brochures or collect ready-printed maps to get around – or join bus and cycling tours.
There will be four bus tours provided with help from Thornhill Community Transport Initiative. Each will visit studios in different parts of the region and costs £10 a ticket. Full details are available in the Spring Fling brochure which can be downloaded from the website.
The brochure also has details of the cycle tours which are kindly organised by Ted Norfolk and Mike Gray. These offer a very pleasant way to enjoy a day of superb countryside while touring a selection of studios.
For details and bookings contact:
• Saturday ride – Ted Norfolk at [email protected] or on 01988 700432.
• Monday ride – Mike Gray at [email protected] or 07751 978563.
Friends of Spring Fling
Spring Fling has a Friends scheme which offers benefits like discounts of up to 20% and other exciting offers from Spring Fling artists over the weekend. There is a regular Friends e-newsletter plus a 10% discount in Spring Fling webshop all year round.
Members also get a regular e-newsletter, an advance copy full colour Spring Fling brochure and advance details of who has been selected for Spring Fling. See the website for prices and full details www.spring-fling.co.uk/.
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